Puzzled about How to Pack Dishes? You're Not Alone.
Chances are your fragile glassware and plates will be among the last things you are going to pack before moving. However, waiting until the last minute to pack these fragile items will only add to your stress. As one of the most nerve-wracking moments, it requires a lot of caution — nobody wants to arrive at their new home with boxes full of broken belongings, especially when it comes to something so fragile and irreplaceable as fine china.
In many households, these heirlooms have been passed down by families for generations We know that transporting these items safely is important, whether you're moving across town or across the country. That’s where 3 Men Movers comes in handy — over 54% of people who moved themselves instead of hiring professional movers reported they regret their decision. While we can take this challenge off your shoulders, knowledge is still power. Take a moment to check out our tips for the best way to pack china for moving to minimize the stress and hassle of your move. Onwards!
Tip #1: The Right Placement
When it comes to packing, people commonly focus on reducing the number of boxes to transport and overstuff them up with lots of items — the more, the better. This trick won’t work with fine china and other kinds of glassware. The rule of thumb is to avoid stacking them flat. Instead, ensure your serving platters, bowls, dishes, and so on are placed on their edges. As for the plates, they should be packed vertically. Discover the best and worst ways to pack ahead for a move so you can avoid common mistakes that could lead to damage.
You will need a lot of packing material. For extra protection, Wrap each item individually in paper and add a layer of bubble wrap. Gather three to four wrapped pieces into a bundle and place them on their sides within the box to maximize safety during transport.
Here is what you can use to preserve the original state of your heirloom after moving.
|
Material |
Use Case |
Alternative |
|
Bubble wrap |
For individual dishes |
Towels (as a temporary solution) |
|
Packing paper |
Padding and filling gaps |
Packing peanuts |
|
Specialty dish boxes |
For safe transportation and secure holding of your fine china |
Plastic bins for storage purposes |
Tip #2: Take Care of Stemware in the Packing Process
The best way to avoid chips, cracks, and other damage in your delicate stemware is to turn them upside down — otherwise, the risk of breakage increases during transport. Don't forget to check the area around the stem itself. It should be filled with extra padding for more protection. Paper or foam is ideal, but soft cloth or bubble wrap will also work perfectly to stop them from clanking together and breaking.
Tip #3: Search for Specialty Boxes
One of the biggest secrets to having a hassle-free move is to analyze your belongings and what kind of packing material they might require before you get started. You will thank yourself later for preparing in advance. You don't necessarily have to invest in brand-new specialty boxes for china, stemware, and other fragile items — you can often repurpose sturdy boxes you already have supplemented with materials like bubble wrap and packing paper for added cushioning.
However, specialty boxes are definitely more sturdy compared to standard boxes. We get it; these boxes may be pricey, but they will greatly reduce the risk of your fragile items getting damaged or broken during your move. As an added bonus, you can use them for long-term storage later.
Tip #4: Box Labeling Strategies
Label, label, label. If you want the unpacking process to go smoothly, make that Sharpie marker your best friend. Knowing which boxes your items are in will help reduce stress and minimize chaos during the unpacking process at your new place. To streamline the unpacking process, make it well-organized and efficient by following these tips:
- Opt for side labeling — labels should be clear and visible from different angles.
- Use permanent markers or sturdy labels to preserve their original state throughout the relocation.
- In addition to box labels, keep a numbered inventory list for simple tracking purposes.
- Be specific. The labels should simplify the unpacking process, not complicate it. Instead of abbreviations, use more descriptive phrasing — Kitchen, Pots & Pans.
Tip #5: Don't Start Packing Fine China Right Away
The best way to pack china starts with your care of the box itself. Add a layer of cushioning to increase its ability to protect your fragile items for a gentle and safe move. Packing peanuts, wadded newspaper, and similar materials will come in handy.
Tip #6: Say “No” to In-Box Gaps
Any unfilled space in the box is a potential threat to its contents. Using special packing paper or packing peanuts to fill any extra space inside the box will help you avoid the headache of your fine china shifting and braking during transport.
Do not use newspaper paper if your fine china isn't wrapped protectively in additional material first. Otherwise, you may open the box and find your china with ink stains.
For multi-item boxes, place heavier objects at the bottom. This way, the risk of the accumulated weight of your items breaking the lowest piece will be minimal. Additionally, using the right tape is crucial for keeping your boxes secure — learn more with these packing hacks: paper tape vs. clear tape for optimal results.
Another best practice for how to pack fine china for moving that you probably didn't expect? Using cardboard pieces. This is a clever way to keep items separated and hold them in place inside the box. However, it's important to note that they should not be used as your only packing material but rather as an additional means of protection to cushion your breakable items.
Tip #7: Check Pieces with Hollow Centers
Gaps and holes left in your box can mean bad news for your breakables! When left unprotected, pieces of chinaware or vases show why they are called fragile — hollow centers create additional pressure on the item, increasing the likelihood of cracking. To avoid this, use extra padding to fill all open holes inside your box. Add paper or other filler material inside of all hollow bowls and glasses to pack china for moving like a pro. You will thank yourself later for adding padding paper inside bowls and cups to move.
Tip #8: Quick-Fix Packaging Supplies
If you run out of the right materials or need an urgent solution for another piece of chinaware, use towels. It's a great way to use for bath or dish towels you need to pack and move anyway. It is cost-effective and saves you from the hassle of making an extra last-minute trip to buy more supplies.
Tip #9: Don't Hesitate to Use Plastic Bins
Looking for a more long-term storage solution for your fine china? Plastic bins are an excellent choice! The best part is that you won't even have to spend time unpacking them after moving—simply place them in their storage space. Plastic containers and totes are a great investment as they are durable, dustproof, and waterproof— they provide excellent long-term protection for your fragile items.
Tip #10: The Best Materials to Pack Delicate China
Using the right materials makes all the difference when trying to keep your china safe. For instance, packing paper is the MVP when it comes to wrapping each item individually without the risk of scratches or ink transfer. Make sure to layer each piece with paper and follow up with bubble wrap for shock absorption.
Want extra protection? Consider adding an extra layer of packing paper between plates or bowls. You can even slip cardboard pieces between layers to stop friction from damaging the surface.
Tip #10: The Best Materials to Pack Delicate China
Using the right materials makes all the difference when trying to keep your china safe. For instance, packing paper is the MVP when it comes to wrapping each item individually without the risk of scratches or ink transfer. Make sure to layer each piece with paper and follow up with bubble wrap for shock absorption.
Want extra protection? Adding an extra layer of packing paper between plates or bowls will give it more cushion. You can even slip cardboard pieces between layers to stop friction from damaging the surface.
Tip #11: Wrap Cups and Saucers the Right Way
Packing china cups and saucers requires a gentle approach. Start by stuffing the inside of each cup with crumpled paper for internal support. Then, wrap the entire cup using several layers of bubble wrap or paper. For saucers, treat them like small plates—wrap and stack them on edge instead of flat.
An easy mistake to avoid? Don't stack cups or bowls inside one another unless you've added more padding between each one.
Tip #12: Ditch the Oversized Moving Boxes
Large moving boxes might seem efficient, but they can actually increase the risk of dishes breaking. When you use large boxes for fragile items, it's easy to pack too many things together, which creates too much room for movement.
Instead, choose smaller boxes that force you to pack with intention. When it comes to china, less is more.
Tip #13: Consider Dish Packs for Better Protection
Specialty dish packs or dish boxes are a smart investment when transporting your fragile pieces. These reinforced boxes are designed to cushion your plates, bowls, and cups, and often come with adjustable cardboard dividers to hold items in place.
If you're short on time, some stores sell specialty dish boxes pre-assembled with dividers. These come in extra handy for long-distance moves or long-term storage.
Tip #14: Avoiding Common Packing Mistakes
Picture this: you have a few miscellaneous items lying around (think silverware, trinkets, decor items), and you spot a hole in your box of china the perfect size for them. It's tempting to shove them in there, but that's a recipe for disaster. Mixing fragile china with metal utensils or heavy decor items can lead to cracks or chips. However, another common mistake is leaving that extra space unfilled—it gives items room to shift and bump around. Instead, add packing paper or foam peanuts to close those gaps and keep everything tight.
Tip #15: Packing for Long-Term Storage
If you're packing up your china for long-term storage, aim for durability and environmental protection. Using plastic storage containers with tight-fitting lids that lock into place will protect your items from moisture and dust. Wrap items thoroughly, and place a layer of bubble wrap or foam on the bottom of each bin.
Be sure to label bins clearly. Write the contents on the lid and sides so you won't need to dig through everything later.
Tip #16: Don't Forget the Tape
Once your box is filled and padded, use packing tape—not just regular tape—to seal it up. Secure both the top and bottom seams of the box using a few strips across the middle and edges.
Some people even double-tape the bottom to guard against the box, giving out from the weight of heavy items like stacked plates or bowls.
Tip #17: How to Pack Dinnerware Efficiently
Dinnerware like salad plates, cereal bowls, and mugs should be wrapped individually with paper and padded with bubble wrap. Stack vertically inside a small box and cushion any open corners with packing materials or cloth.
Packing each plate separately ensures no pressure cracks occur during the move. This is especially important for dishes that are part of a wedding gift or family heirloom set.
Tip #18: Minimize Damage with Smart Layering
Each box should be packed in layers. Start with a cushion at the bottom, followed by a row of wrapped items, then add an extra layer of padding before adding another row. Repeat this until the box is full but not overflowing.
The goal is to minimize damage while still using space wisely—without overstuffing.
Tip #19: Don't Stack If You Don't Have To
If you're unsure about whether to stack plates, cups, or bowls—don't. Stacking fragile china directly on top of one another, especially without extra padding, leads to pressure cracks and chips.
Always wrap china individually and avoid placing one directly on top of the next without more cushion in between.
Tip #20: Rethink the Way You Start Packing
It's easy to overlook this, but how you start packing sets the tone for the rest of your move. Rushing the process usually results in careless errors. Instead, slow down, sort your pieces, and gather the right supplies before you begin.
This preparation stage is also where you'll determine what needs extra attention and what can be packed together safely.
Wrapping It Up
You don't have to find out the hard way when it comes to moving your fragile items. Hopefully, you've learned a thing or two about the best way to pack china for moving. Following these time-tested strategies will help you preserve the life of your fine china as you move into your new home and enjoy your treasured heirlooms for years to come.
Looking for a personalized consultation? Get in touch with our professional team of packers and movers.